Types of bouquets: shapes, composition and occasions

A bouquet is more than a few flowers tied together: each shape has its own construction rules and its own occasion. A round bouquet suits almost any gift, a cascade suits a wedding and a one-sided bouquet is made for stage presentations. Here are the main bouquet types by shape and composition to make choosing easier.

Ready-made bouquets: large rose bouquets and spray roses.

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Bouquet shapes

• Round — the flowers form a dome that looks good from every side; the most versatile choice.
• Biedermeier — a type of round bouquet with flowers in tight concentric rings, often in different colours.
• One-sided (front-facing) — tall flowers at the back, short ones in front; easy to hold and present on stage.
• Cascade — trails downward like a waterfall; a bridal classic.
• Linear — few flowers, strong lines of stems and branches and plenty of space.
• Garden-style — loose and asymmetric, as if just cut from the garden.

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Single-variety or mixed

• Single-variety — one kind of flower: 25 roses, an armful of tulips, peonies. Clean and elegant.
• Mixed — several flowers plus greenery, with more freedom in colour and texture.
• A posy — a small bouquet of a few stems, right for almost any situation.

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How bouquets are made

Most hand-tied bouquets are built in a spiral: stems are laid at the same angle so they do not cross in different directions. The bouquet keeps its shape and stands well in a vase. The technique is explained in Spiral bouquet technique, and a beginner’s kit in DIY bouquet for beginners.

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Matching the shape to the occasion

• Birthday or date — round or garden-style.
• Stage presentation or graduation — one-sided.
• Wedding — round, cascade or garden-style to match the dress.
• Business gift — a clean single-variety bouquet or a flower box.

FAQ

Which bouquet lasts longest?

That depends more on the flowers and care than on shape: chrysanthemums, alstroemeria and carnations usually outlast others.

How many flowers should a bouquet have?

There is no strict rule: an odd number is a tradition for small bouquets, while large bouquets are not counted.

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Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.

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